Johnny Venerable of PHNX Sports summarized the terms, saying the Cardinals would receive picks 8, 42, and 73, with no 2027 capital involved — a preference he says both teams share.
Using the NFL Trade Value Chart, the Saints would surrender 2105 in total value and net 2200 in return by moving up to No. 3, producing a positive value for New Orleans. The move would also push their next selection back to No. 132.
The landscape includes active discussions with the Kansas City Chiefs as well, who are said to be pursuing the third pick in a similar bid with the Cardinals, underscoring the high demand for a top prospect at No. 3.
A noted NFL insider emphasizes that the Saints have a history of aggressive moves to upgrade talent, particularly on the pass rush, and points to Arvell Reese as the likely target if Reese remains available at or near No. 3. The analysis highlights Reese’s dynamic potential to function as a versatile edge rusher or linebacker, with the value of his skill set standing out to multiple teams.
Arvell Reese and David Bailey are the two names most closely tied to this discussion. Reese sits in the top tier of draft rankings, with PFF listing him near the top and Dane Brugler placing him first overall in some assessments; Brugler characterizes him as a dynamic, explosive defender capable of multiple roles. Bailey, while highly regarded, sits a notch behind Reese in many rankings (around sixth or seventh), described as an explosive athlete who is still developing his rush counters. This context helps explain why New Orleans might gamble on Reese to bolster the defense at No. 3.
